Friday, January 28 is Data Privacy Day, as recognized by governments and technology leaders around the world. In Iowa, I worked with the governor's office in an effective crusade to get the day declared again this year. In addition, I launched this new educational website in partnership with Peggy Eisenhauer: www.secureyourwireless.org. Check it out!

To learn what events and activities the folks behind Data Privacy Day have going on, just click here.

And remember, if you contact be by Monday, I'll give you 20% off Security Search as well as Protecting Information Quarterly Journal. There's simply no better way to protect yourself, your organization and your customers than to get an updated privacy and security program in place today. It can be as simple as starting with a training exercise or introducing ongoing educational resources. Regardless of your company's size or industry, I'm happy to advise you -- please email me.

PRIVACY PROFESSOR'S TIPS OF THE MONTH

Is that sweet offer too good to be true? For many cybercriminals, taking your personal information is like, well, taking candy from a baby.

With the Super Bowl on the horizon, we all know we need to watch what we eat on that day of overindulgence, but did you know you also need to be on the lookout for ticket scams? According to the New York Daily News, Super Bowl price gouging is "a lot worse than the price of roses on Valentine's Day." Whether you're supporting the Packers or the Steelers, watch out for stealing. It's easy to get caught up in the emotion of the NFL's biggest day of the year. Read more about Super Bowl scams here.

I've just released my Top Five Privacy Predictions for 2011, and they've gotten quite a lot of attention! Here is a PDF that you can use to help identify your organization's own unique risks and get the year kicked off safely; it's already the end of January, but since tomorrow is Data Privacy Day, I can think of no better way to honor it.